Sticks for Nordic walking are an integral attribute of the technique, without which its meaning is lost. Nordic or Nordic walking was born in the Scandinavian countries, where skiers decided to go out for training with ski poles in the summer. Over the years, the activity has grown into an independent sport popular all over the world.
Why do we need these sticks at all?
Before we figure out how to choose the right Nordic walking poles, let's find out why they are needed at all.
- First, as mentioned above, the very essence of this sport is related to this equipment. And in order to get the maximum benefit from Finnish walking and not harm your body, you need to devote maximum time to this issue;
- Secondly, this walking affects almost all muscle groups, and this is achieved precisely due to the sticks (they make the muscles of the shoulder girdle work);
- With them, training is more productive, since the load is distributed evenly to all muscle groups;
- Correctly selected length can significantly minimize the load on the spine, which is why Scandinavian walking is recommended for people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, joints and ligaments;
Can I take a pair from the ski kit?
In this article, we will look at how to choose the size of a Nordic walking stick for height, and also explain what the nuances exist depending on the level of training of the athlete. Let us dwell in more detail on the question that interests many novice walkers: is it possible to use ordinary ski poles?
For Scandinavian walking, specialized equipment should be purchased, the effectiveness of the session and the safety of the athlete depend on this.
Yes, indeed, at the dawn of the development of this sport, people trained with ski equipment, but quite quickly they felt the need to adjust and adapt the poles specifically for walking. This is why this is the case:
- Ski poles are designed for loose surfaces (snow), while Nordic walking involves moving on any surface: sand, snow, asphalt, soil, grass, etc. For walking on hard areas, a rubber tip is put on the tip;
- The length of the ski equipment is slightly longer than required for Scandinavian walking, this is due to the fact that in the first case, the poles are involved in sliding, and in the second, in repulsion. The specifics of these actions, as you understand, are completely different.
- The ski gear does not have a special handle with a comfortable lanyard that allows you to hold the equipment as comfortably as possible.
Why is it so important that the sticks are the right size?
You will learn how to choose Scandinavian walking poles using the chart below, but for now, let's see why size is so important.
The choice of the length of the poles for Nordic walking by height is of great importance, the productivity of the lesson and the correct load on the muscles depend on it. A short pair will overload the spine, and also forcefully shorten the stride length. As a result, the muscles in the back of the legs will work in full force, but you will still get tired quickly, due to overexertion in the back. On the other hand, a pair that is too long will prevent you from adhering to the correct walking technique, as you will not be able to tilt your body forward slightly.
How to calculate the correct size?
In Scandinavian walking, the height of the poles is adjusted according to the height, there is a standard formula:
Height in cm * coefficient 0.7
At the same time, more prepared athletes are allowed to add 5-10 cm to the resulting value. Beginners are advised to adhere to the "right angle" rule - if you put the sticks straight in front of you and stand straight, your elbows form an angle of 90 °.
Some aspects related to health and age should also be considered. For example, older people find it difficult to take large strides, so they should choose shorter sticks (but not less than the value calculated using the formula above). The same point is taken into account for sore knee joints.
Not always with high growth, nature gives a person long legs. In case the legs are short, you should also avoid choosing too long poles.
Here is a sample table that will help you select Nordic walking poles by height:
What to look for when buying
Next, we'll look at how to select the best Nordic walking poles for quality and functionality.
So, you came to the store, having previously calculated your recommended length. The consultant took you to a stand with dozens of varieties of sticks. What to look for? Before making a choice of Nordic walking poles, let's find out what they are and what they consist of.
- Today the market offers two types of models - with a constant length and telescopic (folding). The latter are convenient to take on the road, but they quickly deteriorate, since the constantly functioning mechanism will inevitably loosen. But this view allows you to more accurately choose the length according to your height, and also, if you feel that you are ready to increase the load, you can easily add the necessary centimeters.
However, experts who are seriously involved in this sport still recommend buying canes with a fixed length and a solid barrel - they will last you longer, are more durable and, therefore, are considered professional.
- The design is made of 3 parts: a handle with a lanyard, a shaft and a tip with a rubber tip. In a high-quality model, all abrasive elements - the tip, the lanyard - are removable and easily replaced. It is advisable to choose a rubber handle - it is not afraid of moisture or sweat, it lasts longer. The lanyard is a special fastener that fits on the hand like gloves. Measure them right in the store - they should fit exactly on your arm. Pick a tip from a tungsten alloy and win - they are the strongest. For walking on hard surfaces, you will need rubber pads. The best quality shaft is the carbon shaft. There are also aluminum and fiberglass on sale, but they are inferior to carbon in quality.
We examined which Scandinavian walking poles are better to choose, depending on the material of manufacture of parts and the type of construction. What else should you consider when buying?
- Don't look at the brand or the price tag. Newbies don't have to buy an expensive pair from the latest line of the cool brand. You can also learn and practice successfully with cheap equipment, the main thing is to choose the right length and height of poles for Nordic walking. Make sure the shaft contains at least 10% carbon and that's enough to get you started!
- Above all else, good sticks should be tough, lightweight, and durable.
Rating of the best offers
Now you know how to calculate the length of Nordic walking poles and understand what they are in terms of quality and materials of manufacture. We made a small overview of the brands that produce the best equipment and invite you to familiarize yourself with it. We hope this review will help you to finally understand what kind of Finnish Nordic walking poles you need.
EXEL Nordic Sport Evo - 5000 rub.
Exel is the most famous and one of the first brands to produce equipment for this sport. It was in this company that they first understood what specialized poles for Nordic walking, different from ski poles, were needed for, and successfully launched production.
This fixed length model is made of fiberglass with 30% carbon. Among their advantages are durability, impeccable quality, comfortable lanyards. There is only one drawback - an inconvenient removable belt.
LEKI Speed Pacer Vario - 12,000 RUB
The brand is also widely known in the world of Scandinavian sports. These sticks are considered hybrid - they are not 100% fixed, but you cannot call them telescopic either, because they allow you to adjust the length within 10 cm, no more.
With this model, you will not face the problem of how to properly set up Nordic walking poles - the mechanism is intuitive and convenient. The shaft is all carbon, so the cane is very light. Also, among the pluses - a convenient and high-quality mechanism, the ability to withstand a load of up to 140 kg, a rubberized handle and fangs. The main disadvantage of the model is its price, not everyone can afford such sticks.
NORDICPRO Travel Carbon 60 - 4,000 RUB
Telescopic model that can be shortened to 65 cm. The shaft contains 60% carbon, so the sticks are light and stable. The lanyards are removable, the handles are made of cork material. With this equipment you can easily choose the appropriate size (length) of poles for Nordic (Swedish) walking, it fits easily into a suitcase, and has an acceptable cost.
Minus - joints, which over time begin to emit a characteristic clicking sound, which affects many on the nerves.
ECOS Pro Carbon 70 - 4500 RUB
Cool folding sticks are 70% carbon, 30% fiberglass and weigh only 175 g! The handle is made of polymer foam, which successfully combines both the environmental friendliness of natural cork and the durable qualities of rubber. The structure can be folded up to 85 cm, the maximum spread is 145 cm. All mechanisms, components and joints are of high quality and reliable. Minus - tight shoes, but many athletes are not inclined to consider this a disadvantage.
MASTERS Training Speed - 6000 rub.
To properly adjust the folding Nordic walking poles, in addition to the theoretical knowledge of matching height and length, a quality construction is required. This model is considered one of the best telescopic reeds on the market today. They are made from aircraft-grade aluminum, lightweight, with clip-on fasteners that are completely silent. Fitting is easy and the straps are also adjustable. The set includes winning tips. The downside is the abrasion of the shoes, but this is inevitable, inherent in most Scandinavian poles.
Well, we are completing the publication, now it will not be difficult for you to determine the size and length of Nordic walking poles. We advise you to approach this issue responsibly, and choose exactly the model with which your training will be most effective. Do not look at friends and do not listen to the advice of "colleagues in the shop" - it is better to study the theory on your own, come to the store and consult a consultant. The final decision is yours, and remember, within 14 days you have the legal right to return the purchase to the store if you feel that the design is not convenient for you. Save your receipts!
